Office of Museum Services awards grants

The grants assist in the preservation and display of historical artifacts, address structural needs including building repairs and restoration, catalog collections and expand educational programs. Museums receiving awards include; the Blanding Pioneer Museum- $6,000, the Museum of San Rafael- $6,000, the Western Mining and Railroad Museum- $6,000, and the Dan O'Laurie Museum- $4,700.

"The legislature is aware of the impact funding makes to our museums," states Dan Burke, director of the Office of Museum Services. "They also recognize the importance of museums in preserving our heritage and culture of our state and the benefit of museums to the state's tourism industry." Utah has more than six million visitors annually.

All 250 Utah museums are eligible to apply for grant funding. Applications fall into two categories: Project Support Grants, up to $6,000 for expanding and developing new projects, and Development Grants, up to $1,000 for basic operational expenses. Project Support Grants require a dollar-for-dollar cash or in-kind match. Development Grants assist museums that are open fewer than 1,000 hours a year.

For a complete list of grant awards, visit http://www.community.utah.gov/museum_services/.